IAEA okays China-Pak agreement on nuclear reactors

The IAEA approved the safeguards agreement between Pakistan and China for building two new nuclear power reactors aat Chashma in Pakistan.

"It is only a technical agreement between Pakistan and China. It was approved unanimously," Outlookindia.com quoted an International Atomic Energy Agency official.

India is a member of the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors.

The agreement enables Pakistan to procure nuclear reactors from China and the IAEA rules do not prohibit such transfers.

However, a nod from the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (would be necessary to enable such transfers. The 45-member NSG controls export or transfer of nuclear materials between countries to ensure they are used only for civilian nuclear energy programmes.

The IAEA official said the global nuclear watchdog had nothing to say on NSG clearances for the agreement.